Rochet

From Freepedia

This is an article on the religious vestment; for an article on the French bicycle manufacturer, see Rochet

A rochet is a vestment generally worn by a Bishop in choir dress.

Roman Usage

In the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinals, Bishops and certain other dignitaries use a rochet, a garment similar to the surplice that is worn over the cassock for non-eucharistic functions. Also made of white linen, the rochet is differentiated from the surplice mainly by the narrower sleeves, and is frequently trimmed with lace.

Anglican Use

The Anglican Church also makes use of the rochet, where it is worn by bishops in choir dress. However in Anglican use it more resembles the alb, being made of white linen and reaching almost to the feet, though it has (usually) baggy 'lawn' sleeves that are gathered at the wrists with a band of black or scarlet cloth. It is generally worn with the chimere, or with a cope and mitre for more dignified occasions. Exceptions to the normal Anglican-style is the rochets worn by the current Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. & Rt. Hon. Dr. Rowan Williams, and the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, The Most Rev. Frank Griswold. Both of their rochets have open-ended narrow sleeves in the same manner as that of the Roman rochet.